campolaunica@yahoo.com.mx 

Welcome to Campo Ecoturístico La Unica, SPR de RL

“LA UNICA” Natural Reserve and Resort is a pioneer in coastal conservation in the peninsula of Baja California, Mexico. This private pristine bay is located at “El Pescador” Bay, south of Bahia de los Angeles (Bay of Angels), a small fishing community by the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California), ideal for open-air activities.

Overview
“LA UNICA” Natural Reserve and Resort is devoted to the protection and conservation of more than a 200 acres of communal coastal lands, through alternative activities that promote the sustainable use of natural resources.

“La Unica” Natural Reserve and Resort fosters to experience natural protected areas through ecotourism. We understand that this activity is a mechanism to promote the understanding of culture and environment. “La Unica” conceives these actions as instruments to ensure and protect Human’s and Nature’s Heritages.

The campsite is equipped to generate its own electricity with solar panels, to separate and dispose garbage adequately and to save and reuse water. We also follow and observe national and international codes for wildlife observation (both marine and terrestrial), which means that all of our actions aim at achieving a rational development in harmony with the surrounding environment.

Location

“La Unica” is located in “El Pescador Bay” (Fisherman Bay) on the west coast of the Gulf of California surrounded by blue ocean and red-brown mountains. The nearest population is Bahia de los Angeles, a small fishing village, adjacent to the “Great Islands” -just 400 miles from San Diego-. The access to “La Unica” is by small boats in a 30-minute ride departing from Bahia de los Angeles.
A two kilometer-long sandy beach and calm waters welcome our visitors.


Activities
Land and Sea Activities

Our tours and activities are intended to provide our guests with a personal and direct experience with nature, developing an understanding of the natural values of the area. We seek to transmit relaxation and rest to our guests through perception.

We offer a variety of activities to satisfy our guests’ sojourn:
· Whale shark sighting (only during season)
· Rides to sea lion habitats
· Kayaking tours
· Hiking tours and desert interpretation
· Observation of marine mammals: whales, sea lions, dolphins.
· Snorkeling
· Photographic tours at sea, desert and mountains.
· Bird watching
· Sport fishing and clam collecting
· Sunset, sunrise and moon watching.
· Walking on sandy beaches
· Swimming
· Star gazing
· Local geology observation of fossils and rocks
· Night observation of bioluminescence
· Absolute rest and relaxation
· Reading
· Meditation
· Visit to the Bahia de los Angeles Museum


We strongly advise our visitors not to collect any live objects, wood or shells.
Take only pictures, collect only memories, leave only footprints on the sand.



Facilities and amenities

Twelve clean and comfortable cabins (double occupancy) with sun-generated electricity and sun-warmed water.
Central “palapa” with fully equipped kitchen, dinning room, rest and game areas.
Extra cots and tents available
Special attention to groups
Local home cooking made especially for you by Nena, Don Fermin’s lovely wife.
Personal attention by the Smith family and local staff.


History

Who are we?

“LA UNICA” is a family partnership founded by Mr. Fermin Smith Valdez and sons Fermin and Eduardo Smith Guerra. We are people from Bahia de los Angeles; fishermen who understand that conservation is the foundation of sustainable development.

“LA UNICA” is an ecotourism-oriented private reserve designated for perpetual conservation, which guarantees a healthy use of our land and its resources.

Our mission: to promote the appreciation of nature through responsible use and conservation of natural resources.

Having been born and raised in this region, we have acquired more than 150 years of experience in the region’s flora and fauna. Moreover, we are in the process of obtaining certification in various ecotourism activities.

It is within this framework that we proudly offer our services. We hope that we may provide you with a satisfying experience as nature guides through these breathtaking surroundings.


Staff

The Smith family personally serve at “La Unica”. They have been involved in the transformation form a sterile use of land, towards a sustainable use of La Unica’s natural resources.

They now directly work in the implementation and operation of “La Unica”.

“Don Fermín Smith Váldez”, owner and host at the campsite.
Don Fermín, local fisherman for over 50 years, will take you to the best fishing spots. He wakes up before everybody does, skins and slices the fish, tells stories, guides and interprets desert flora, sails and sometimes cooks. This man is always checking even the slightest requirements from his guests. He will do whatever is in his hands (and more) to fulfill your desires.

Eduardo Smith Guerra, co-owner and operations manager.
“Balo”, as you may friendly name him, quietly ensures the adequate function and operation of the campsite’s facilities. He is a certified guide in alternative tourism activities such as kayaking and hiking. As well as his father, Balo is also a lifetime fisherman, which makes him an empirical experienced nature guide.


Fermín Smith Guerra, co-owner and reservations’ manager.
As well as his brother, Fermin is a certified and experienced fisherman and nature guide. He is also a natural leader and conservation activist. Charismatic Fermin will be the liaison between “La Unica” and you.

Nena, Don Fermin’s lovely wife complements the warmth and welcome to “La Unica”, with her unique touch in the kitchen and her own charm.

Machi, a Bahia de los Angeles’ native woman provides a helping hand in the kitchen to ensure that all of our guest’s gastronomical needs are fulfilled.

We believe that the direct and active participation of local people in projects aimed at the rational management of the marine resources can be a profound change mechanism in the use of this natural heritage.
“La Unica’s” staff main incentive is that our guests fully enjoy a satisfactory sojourn full of good moments and memories.

Don’t miss this charming, welcoming and unique family’s personal attention.

campolaunica@yahoo.com.mx smithfermin@hotmail.com

COST OF OUR SERVICES

Our prices are subject to change without prior notice; we recommend contacting us to confirm prices and ask about special group prices and discounts. Our prices are in US dollars; please ask for our exchange rate.

A RETREAT WITH NATURE

Economic plan: 3 days and 3 nights (6 people minimum)
Includes:
· Transportation from Bahia de los Angeles to Campo La Unica by boat (including passenger insurance).
· Lodging in cabins with double occupancy (includes beds, sheets, bathroom and solar shower bar).
· Three meals per day, including one beverage per meal and unlimited tea and coffee.
· Bonfire
· Hiking and desert interpretation
· Use of Kayaks
· Volleyball and games
· Hammocks
· Use of diving equipment (mask, snorkel and fins)
You will be able to enjoy astonishing sunsets, landscapes and sunrises. You will find a beautiful starry sky at night. You can walk on white sands and swim if you wish to, besides having absolute privacy and rest since there are no buildings 15 miles around.
Cost per person: $400.00 usd
Additional day (including lodging and meals): $ 100.00 USD
NOTE: If you want boat rides, ask the in-site guide for our prices.


ALL Inclusive Plan: 3 days and 3 nights (6 people minimum)
Includes:
· Transportation from Bahia de los Angeles to Campo La Unica by boat (including passenger insurance).
· Lodging in cabins with double occupancy (includes beds, sheets, bathroom and solar shower bar).
· Three meals per day, including two beverages per meal and unlimited tea and coffee.
· Bonfire
· Hiking and desert interpretation
· Use of Kayaks
· Volleyball and games
· Hammocks
· Use of diving equipment (mask, snorkel and fins)
· One ride per day to any of the following itineraries: islands, sea lion colonies, marine mammals watching (fin whales, dolphins, etc.) and/or sport fishing.
· Observation of bioluminiscence at night (except with moonlight)
· Visit to the Bahia de los Angeles Museum of History and Nature
During your stay you will be able to enjoy astonishing sunsets, landscapes and sunrises. You will find a beautiful starry sky at night. You can walk on white sands and swim if you wish to, besides having absolute privacy and rest, since there are no buildings 15 miles around.
Cost per person: $500.00 usd

Note: All inclusive plan for 6 days and 6 nights :
$ 850.00 usd per person.
campolaunica@yahoo.com.mx

LA UNICA 2007, ENJOY WITH US!!!

We are working for you!!!!

Baja Discovery group, Thank you!!!

Family Arce Ceja enjoy it "La Unica"

Sandoval's Family in La Unica 2005

CONSERVATION EASEMENTS

No country in Latin America has yet to enact national legislation authorizing the use of easements for conservation purposes, or allowing such easements to be held by independent third parties. However, NGO working with conservation-minded landowners have used the traditional form of appurtenant easement under the Civil Code for conservation purposes in a growing number of Latin American countries.

An easement is a voluntary agreement in which a landowner agrees to limit the use of property, and can be created for a term of years or for perpetuity, depending on the country. They can be used for conservation purpose by limiting the rights to use land in certain ways or the intensity of development, in order to conserve natural features of the land. Since easements are real property rights, they are inscribed in the registry of deeds, and are binding on future landowners, making them a useful tool for long-term conservation purposes.

There are two kinds of easements that can potentially be used for private lands conservation: traditional appurtenant easements that involve easements between two adjacent properties, and easements “in gross”, which can be held by a party other than the owner of the adjacent property such as a government organization or a non-profit conservation organization. The laws in Latin American countries are based on the European civil code and only recognize the traditional form of appurtenant easement created between two neighboring estates.

PRONATURA´s Conservation Office in Baja California is carrying out an initiative for the creation of a Marine Protected area, identified as Parque Nacional “Bahía de Los Ángeles”. During this process, the work with the community and their involvement has been central for its success.

With the purpose of supporting the mentioned initiative and taking into consideration that the main threats to the area’s marine ecosystems are the anthropogenic activities carried out in the coastal zones, PRONATURA Northwest Private Land Conservation Program (PNPLCP) with WILDCOAST support, began the Coastal Corridor La Asamblea-San Francisquito Conservation Project, with which it is try to guarantee the perpetual preservation of private and ejido critical lands through the application of legal instruments and the promotion of the area’s natural resources sustainable use.

According to the above mentioned PNPLCP began negotiations with different land owners in order to implement those recommendations and for the holders to voluntary establish conservation easements in their properties.

However, this could only be possible as long as a WIN-WIN scheme was applied in which the holders establish conservation easements in their lands and PRONATURA provides of technical and legal support and helps in the fund raising whether private or governmental for the implementation of low environmental impact productive activities in those lands.

After the first negotiation with 4 land owners (ejidatarios) was completed, the first five conservation easements were established in one of the priority areas identified within the analysis phase of the project, which at the same time, represents a great step for the conservation and sustainable development of La Asamblea-San Francisquito Coastal Corridor.

These conservation agreements are of great relevance not only because they guarantee the perpetual preservation of strategic areas but for they stop land speculation and the development of mega projects as well as being great examples of sustainable development activities which provide financial resources coming from environmental conservation.

By Lic. Fernando Ochoa